VDay Mock

[*ochocincos*]

Method behind this mock - The Bengals need improvement on their OL, but they need it immediate contributions. So I decided to go with veterans in FA while addressing other positions in the draft.

Re-sign:
- Bell - One of the clear leaders on defense. Bell should come at a more reasonable price than Bates. Need to keep one of them.

- Hurst - Performed well in his role, plus fans and team seem to really like him. Keep Hurst for the next 2-3 years to keep some veteran leadership given Higgins and/or Boyd might depart after this season.

- Perine - Perine may be lacking that home run ability, but he's solid and can play all phases - running, catching, and blocking. With Mixon cut to free up cap for better OL, Perine gets to be more in a RBBC with a draft pick.

- Tupou - Bengals need Tupou, especially if Reader goes down. Good run stuffer, gets occasional pressure too.

- Adomitis - Once he got familiar, he was fine.

Cuts:
- Mixon ($7.2 mill saved on cap) - This move will help the Bengals put more money toward improving the OL.

FA:
George Fant, OT NYJ - Fant is an older but proven guy who has played for Pollack and succeeded at both OT spots. But he's older and has been dealing with some injuries recently. I can see him wanting to come to a contender. He'd get an opportunity to start at RT with Collins on the mend. He would also be great insurance in case of an injury to either starting OT.

Will Hernandez, OG ARZ - A guy who failed to live up to his 1st round hype in New York, but he's been solid overall in his career. Hernandez is someone who can come in and push Volson for a starting spot, or he'd be at least great depth at either OG spot at minimum.
Fant and Hernandez would replace Adeniji and Scharping from the roster.

Morgan Fox, DL LAC - If the Bengals have cap space and room to add another DL (not sure they do), they really could use someone who can boost the pass rush. Fox is someone who can do that from a variety of positions across the DL. He's going to command less $$ though because he isn't a good run defender. Fox can come in as a rotational pass rusher.

Draft:
1) Trenton Simpson, LB Clemson (6'3", 230 lb) - Swiss army knife of a LB who can arguably do it all. Simpson is someone who I think can come in and replace Pratt right from the get-go, as I think Pratt leaves for greener pastures in FA. Simpson and Wilson together could be fantastic. The key with Simpson is taking advantage of his true versatility, which incudes him being in coverage as a big DB as well as rushing the passer occasionally.

2) Deonte Banks, CB Maryland (6'2", 205 lb) - Good sized CB who has the speed and fluidity to stick with receivers. I love how he uses his hands to get PBUs. Give Banks the CTB treatment where he is a depth guy as a rookie, gets some snaps still, and potentially get a starting spot in 2024.

3) Roschon Johnson, RB Texas (6'2", 223 lb) - Hoss of a RB who unfortunately played second fiddle to arguably the best RB in the draft class, Bijan Robinson. This is a dude who can run, catch, and block. While he's not a blazer, I think he'll run under 4.60 (probably 4.55 or a bit lower), showcasing his speed for his size. It's been reported he has reached 22.6 mph, making him one of the Longhorns' fastest players on the team. I like the idea of cutting Mixon, re-signing Perine, and pairing him with Johnson to form a solid tandem where both guys can run, catch, and block.
Note: If Mixon is not cut, I'd replace the RB in Rd 3 with Henry Bainivalu, OG Washington and not sign Will Hernandez (and Morgan Fox).

4) Xavier Hutchinson, WR Iowa St (6'3", 205 lb) - Bigger WR who can play all spots. He reminds me a lot of Tyler Boyd. I love his ability to make catches and run good routes. He put up nearly 3000 yards and 15 TDs in 3 seasons with the Cyclones. My hope for Hutchinson is to come in as the WR4 as a rookie before taking over as a starter (WR3) in his 2nd year.

5) Luke Schoonmaker, TE Michigan (6'5", 250 lb) - A two-way TE who can block and catch. He showed improved pass-catching ability this past season. I think he'd be a great fit as a TE2 in an offense. Sample/Wilcox replacement.

6) Daniel Scott, Safety Cal (6'2", 215 lb) - Versatile safety prospect who could actually go earlier than this. But PFF has him currently projected as a 7th rounder on their big board, so I'm jumping on him a round early. He's made over 160 total tackles the past two years, plus he's put up 6 INTs, 6 PBUs, and 3 FFs in that span as well. With Bell re-signed, SS is set, and I expect Hill will get the first opportunity for starting safety reps next to him. Scott is someone I think can back up both safety spots, and he might even be able to push for a starter role too.

7) Bryce Baringer, P Michigan St (6'3", 210 lb) -  Competition for Chrisman. 1st-Team All American. He averaged 48.4 YPP in 2021 and 49.0 YPP in 2022. He left the FBS in net punting (45.5 yards). He had only 4 touchbacks all season. 22 of his 50 punts were inside the 20, including 8 inside the 10.